River Rat News, New Hope, TN

12/12/2025

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/notices/business/bus25-03.pdf

12/10/2025

freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble… See the full definition

12/10/2025

The words of the day are humility and humanity. Casting stones is a long cherished practice by those who fear the truth tellers. Some people just have to push others lower or at least try those who hold a mirror to the themselves. As we near the Christmas holiday and the burgeoning new year, remember those who have less than yourself. Some people are content with little and others never content with riches. Luke 12:48 tells us that to those who have much, much is required.
Please remember those who spend Christmas in crowded loneliness in Nursing Homes, Hospitals, and other extended care facilities as well as those who have no home at all because most of us are only a paycheck or extended illness away from the same fate. Remember those who are truly treading water that live below the poverty level even with a job. If you know someone in need or who may be in need, please make the effort to reach out this holiday season and practice humanity. If you call yourself Christain you must believe that God gave his Son for those who owed a debt they could not pay. Practice humility and humanity this year and in the years to come, because most of us have been blessed and given much.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humility -entry-1
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humility -entry-1

freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble… See the full definition

12/10/2025

State investigators have now identified 3 people who were found dead inside a home in Marion County last month.The TBI says New Hope Police were called to a hou

12/10/2025

As always, any information may be turned into the New Hope Police Chief Jeremy Durham or TBI directly.

State investigators have now identified 3 people who were found dead inside a home in Marion County last month.The TBI says New Hope Police were called to a hou

12/07/2025

Tour of Updated Bay Area of City Hall
Chief Durham explained that seized vehicles would be stored here until trial. The kitchen area is now gone and there is only a small snack area.

Chief Durham explained that seized vehicles would be stored here until trial. The kitchen area is now gone and there is only a small snack area.

12/07/2025

Police Chief Durham and two of his part time officers took us on a tour of the remodeled City Hall and Police Department. During the tour Chief Durham explained that City Court would be held in his office and would be open to the public because it was a public meeting, but, it would be up to the City Judge whether to allow video tape. RRN will post an article but it is unlikely there will be video. Chief Durham is bringing the NH Police Department into the the 21st century and it only took 8 months after 25 years still in the past.

Police Chief Graham and two of his part time officers took us on a tour of the remodeled City Hall and Police Department. During the tour Chief Durham explai...

11/29/2025

From the Rat’s Nest: November Meeting Follow Up
Item 2

November 29, 2025

A citizen asked about the tragedy and current investigation that started on Mail Loop Road earlier this month and people must be patient, a good and thorough investigation is required for the families of the victims to be properly served. With the many television shows about the many facets of law enforcement, often we experience “the CSI effect” as it has been called, which leads people to believe that cases are solved in hours or days.

An efficient investigation into any incident, such as the most recent tragedy referred to, has many layers and each task must be carried out with precision to assure all involved are served by “blind justice”. Please be patient with Law Enforcement while they do their due diligence and follow the evidence where it leads instead of rushing through.

River Rat News was created to advocate for the citizens of New Hope and is now asking all of the Rat Pack to remember the families and pray that God will give them comfort and strength during this great tragedy. The victims have ties throughout the community and this will create waves of loss and grief for years to come. Please allow the families time to process what has happened and deal with it in their own way as the investigation goes on.

Please pray for every arm of emergency services involved from the initial police on scene to police back up, TBI investigators, forensic investigators, district attorney team members, emergency medical services, funeral services and crime scene clean up services. These people have seen or will see things that will haunt them as they face the coming holidays with their families.

Rhonda Lawson
RRN